Purchasing a 2016 Camplite 21BHS from Sunny Island RV

[djmiller]

[quote timestamp="1481253175" source="/post/26320/thread" author="@pegwillen"]Regarding having a custom build, is this ordered through a LL dealer?  I asked a question about having a custom build through the LL website and haven't heard back from them.  What was your order-to-delivery time?  Thanks

[font size="3"]It is our understanding that the factory is no longer accepting any requests for customization. Many requested items have become standard like the dual mode water heater and back flusher. The FanTastic fans may still be an option or one may be standard now. Unfortunately they have not [/font][font size="3"]adequately addressed the bent coupler problem and have not [/font][font size="3"]addressed the rear bumper at all. The coupler can be fixed with the simple addition of two bolts, but the enhanced rear bumper requires a qualified welding shop. If you don't plan to carry loads like bicycles on the rear bumper the factory installation is fine. If you do need bike carriage on the rear you should search for and read threads on this forum.

peqwillen,

We no longer offer custom builds.  The coupler issue has been taken care.  All A frame camplite travel trailers, (currently includes all but the 11fk as it does not use that particular coupler), are being built with the additional 2 bolts through the side. (changed aprox. 6 weeks ago).  If you looking at a new unit on a dealer's lot that does not have the bolts added, ask them to add them and we will take care of it.
As far as the bumper.  It was never designed to be used to support a hitch, which is how most of the bike racks attach.  This issue is on on-going discussion in the development meetings but currently to install a hitch type bike rack a second 2x4x.125 tube would need to be properly added to the existing bumper. This may change... but if and until it does.... keep in mind this CURRENTLY IS NOT OFFICIALLY FACTORY SUPPORTED!




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[djsamuel]

[quote timestamp="1481292115" source="/post/26325/thread" author="@djmiller"][quote timestamp="1481257629" author="@charliem" source="/post/26322/thread"][font size="3"]It is our understanding that the factory is no longer accepting any requests for customization. Many requested items have become standard like the dual mode water heater and back flusher. The FanTastic fans may still be an option or one may be standard now. Unfortunately they have not [/font][font size="3"]adequately addressed the bent coupler problem and have not [/font][font size="3"]addressed the rear bumper at all. The coupler can be fixed with the simple addition of two bolts, but the enhanced rear bumper requires a qualified welding shop. If you don't plan to carry loads like bicycles on the rear bumper the factory installation is fine. If you do need bike carriage on the rear you should search for and read threads on this forum.

peqwillen,

We no longer offer custom builds.  The coupler issue has been taken care.  All A frame camplite travel trailers, (currently includes all but the 11fk as it does not use that particular coupler), are being built with the additional 2 bolts through the side. (changed aprox. 6 weeks ago).  If you looking at a new unit on a dealer's lot that does not have the bolts added, ask them to add them and we will take care of it.
As far as the bumper.  It was never designed to be used to support a hitch, which is how most of the bike racks attach.  This issue is on on-going discussion in the development meetings but currently to install a hitch type bike rack a second 2x4x.125 tube would need to be properly added to the existing bumper. This may change... but if and until it does.... keep in mind this CURRENTLY IS NOT OFFICIALLY FACTORY SUPPORTED!


For the benefit of those who have the older configuration (without the side bolts), can you post exactly how LivinLite is making the change?  I'd just like to know the size of the bolts, the material, and if any further insulation between the bolts and material is needed.  My 2013 21BHS has been fine, but if the company sees fit to make this change, I'd like to do the same to mine.  Or, if LivinLite is offering the parts, please let me know.

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[thedusty]

[quote source="/post/26325/thread" author="@djmiller" timestamp="1481292115"]

[/quote]

Ditto on the side bolt information.

[djmiller]

(2)Side bolts (one each side) -  1/2"-13x3" grade 8 were added to each side of the coupler. A 1/2" flat washer is used under the head of the bolt and a 1/2-13 stainless steel self locking nut is used on the inside of the A frame.
To install the bolts you will need to remove the center tongue jack and the (3) bolts holding it in place to facilitate getting a wrench on the lock nut. The two new bolts should be torqued to 80 ft.lbs. Check the torque on the existing bolts, they should also be at 80 ft lbs. Replace the center tongue jack and re-install the (3) bolts on the tongue jack torquing those to 23 ft.lbs.

If you have a 21' Camplite trailer and would like us to send you the bolts, washers, and nuts please PM me here.  Include your mailing address, VIN and size of coupler.  All but the first few are 2-5/16"  A few early units utilized a 2" coupler.

- Dan

[daplumbr]

[quote timestamp="1481572067" author="@djmiller" source="/post/26366/thread"](2)Side bolts (one each side) -  1/2"-13x3" grade 8 were added to each side of the coupler. A 1/2" flat washer is used under the head of the bolt and a 1/2-13 stainless steel self locking nut is used on the inside of the A frame.
To install the bolts you will need to remove the center tongue jack and the (3) bolts holding it in place to facilitate getting a wrench on the lock nut. The two new bolts should be torqued to 80 ft.lbs. Check the torque on the existing bolts, they should also be at 80 ft lbs. Replace the center tongue jack and re-install the (3) bolts on the tongue jack torquing those to 23 ft.lbs.

If you have a 21' Camplite trailer and would like us to send you the bolts, washers, and nuts please PM me here.  Include your mailing address, VIN and size of coupler.  All but the first few are 2-5/16"  A few early units utilized a 2" coupler.

- Dan[/quote]This is great! I think it might be good to post this as separate thread in either "Ask the Factory" or "Camplite Mods" because it's a bit buried here in this thread on purchasing from SIRV. 

[fasteddieb]

Any chance of having those parts shipped to a Camping World and having them do the install under some sort of "extended warranty"?

Ours is a "2014" 21BHS, actually built in 2013. No bending apparent after about 12,000 miles towing. Just offhand, I just checked and it has a 2" hitch. Would it be worth upgrading to a 2 5/16 at the same time?

[kycamper]

So do you drill the holes in the side of the coupler?? I want the bolts and a schematic. This should made a little more clear. Pictures?? How to??

[fasteddieb]

And let me say I'm not thrilled with drilling relatively large diameter holes in the aluminum frame. They cannot help but weaken it in that area, at least to some small extent.

I still envision a steel plate attached from above, utilizing the existing bolts and bolt holes, to resist bending.

[charliem]

So do you drill the holes in the side of the coupler?? I want at the bolts and a schematic. This should made a little more clear. Pictures?? How to??

[font size="3"]Gleamb,

Adding the bolts has been covered on this forum. Search for posts on bent couplers and you will find details including pictures. Half inch high strength grade 8 bolts are used with washers and locking devices. I question LL's method because they apparently go completely through the frame members. While good in some respects it does invite collapsing of the frame if internal spacers or washers are not used. Factory supplied instructions may address this. Drilling ½" holes forward of the jack and coupler mounting does not materially affect the strength of the frame 2x4s, but keeping them centered vertically in the tube is good practice. In my experience changing to the higher strength 2-5/16" coupler was a great improvement and I'm glad the factory did so too.

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[kycamper]

I have seen those posts. I have never had any trouble with this issue, BUT I am very annoyed that it isn't being handled as a " recall" issue. The idea of having Camping World do the work gets my vote. I simply don't have the proper tools to do this at this time. Looks like I'll have to borrow them or pay someone to have this done ?? I have the  2" ball, but what irks me is that I have a VERY EXPENSIVE Andersen hitch. The irony is that they first sent me a 2-5/16" ball, which I had to send back!!! I will be sending djmiller a pm to get the bolts. thanks for allowing me to " vent ".

[kycamper]

I have sent a PM to djmiller requesting the bolts, but have not, as yet, gotten any response. Am I doing something wrong?

[jerrybeaird]

[quote timestamp="1482247365" source="/post/26533/thread" author="@gleamb"]I have sent a PM to djmiller requesting the bolts, but have not, as yet, gotten any response. Am I doing something wrong?[/quote]I have done the same last week, with all of the requested detail and have not had a reponse either.  So it appears that he is not returning pm's.

[djsamuel]

No response for me either.

[franks97224]

No response for me either.